When I arrived in Kyoto, the young girls dressing like Geishas walking through the narrow streets caught my attention. It is clear that dressing like a Geisha is something anyone can do in Kyoto, since it has become the favorite pastime of tourists in Kyoto. For 30$, you can rent a Kimono and if you pay more, you will get all of the necessary accessories and they will even do your hair.

Originally, the designs of the fabrics of the kimonos change according to the season. In the summer, they are peach colored; in the winter, they come in shades of green, honoring the “Lady of the Pine.” The pine represents prosperity and some kimonos have a crane printed on it, which represents the symbol of longevity, and the beautiful Narcissus represents purity.

If there is something that I would like to do, it is walking in the typical Zori sandals that Geishas use. They look beautiful, but they do not seem very comfortable to visit all of the tourist attractions in Kyoto. I can see that the tourist-geishas are already tired.

A Geisha in the streets of Kyoto, Japan.

I have been told that at the end of this narrow uphill road is one of the most impressive temples in Kyoto. It is very early in the morning and walking in all tranquility, I can perfectly imagine the old Kyoto. A place without cars, without shops that sell Hello Kitties, and without people who want to sell you something to eat that most of the time is made with matcha (green tea ground); matcha cake, matcha ice cream, etc.

At my left side, I can see that the parking for tourist buses is still empty. It is 07:00 am; will I be able to see the temple in all tranquility?

Kiyomizu-dera temple

At the end of the street is the entrance of the Kiyomizu-dera temple; the summit is high.

One of the traditions of people visiting the temple was to make a wish and jump from a height of 13 meters. If they lived, their wish would be granted; but If they died, that was their destiny and they should accept it. This tradition has now been forbidden.

Is it possible to come to one of the most photogenic cities in the world and enjoy it in all its fullness? The answer is yes!

While walking around the temple, there are only a couple of photographers carrying big cameras, who also woke up early to have the best shot. The souvenir shops were still closed and I could enjoy the quietness of the city.

Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kyoto-Japan.

Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kyoto-Japan.

Japanese houses

While walking, I passed by some typical Japanese houses; they have low roofs, the doors are made of paper probably to let the light inside, and for their construction, they used wood, a natural material that adapts to the climate and is flexible in case of earthquakes.

Kyoto retains its authenticity history and charm, it has hundreds of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world!⠀

Late afternoon in Kyoto, the wooden houses with sliding paper doors let in the light from outside creating a very warm atmosphere. Getting lost in these little streets is part of the experience and don’t worry if you get hungry of all that walking because in Japan there are restaurants, cafes, and bars everywhere.⠀

The Shinto

Shinto, the original religion of Japan, worships the forces of nature and is aware that they share the islands with terrible spirits such as typhoons, earthquakes, and erupting volcanoes. “Beauty is a way to appease the terrible spirits.” ⠀

The beauty is reflected in the Japanese gardens and in the Shinto belief, the red bridges are portals that transport you to the kingdom of the spirits. The gardens have perspective and create a sense of depth. Strolling through the Japanese gardens was one of the things I loved to do in Kyoto.

I would love to have a Japanese-Style garden, but I live in an apartment. Maybe it is a better idea to buy a small bonsai.

Japanese gardens have perspective and create a sense of depth.

After a long day, tired tourists dressed in Geisha costumes, relax at the river side. Kyoto-Japan.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog, have you ever visited Japan? I’d love to read your comments.